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Pearson made some rather sturdy boats back then. I happen to like the lines of older boats like that, hence I own a 1967 Tartan 27'.

Completely agree, there is something about the old lines mixed with the new materials that touches me in a way that makes me smile. Like an older woman that can still walk(sail) with the confidence of her youth...

On to the boat:
- mast step may need addressing
- soft decks may need re-coring
- deck fittings will need re-bedding
- old wiring should be considered suspect
- standing rigging likely needs replacing if it is as old as the boat

mast step: seems solid but not a space of expertise will ensure its reviewed in the safety inspection.

soft decks: I have beat, hammered, jumped on every surface of the deck, not to say its 100% but there are no soft spots I can find. again will ensure its looked at.

fittings: same as decks, no stress cracks and no noticable bend or flex under load, but will put it on the list.

wiring: everything on this end is suspect. Old, mislabeled, misdirected, confused wiring.thinking about replacing the entire harness with a custom rig, have most of the parts and about 600w of panels for a dual charge system anyhow so either way have to tie that in, which requires replacing some stuff

rigging: again will bring it to point, but seems updated since original build. A bit over tight if anything, not sure if this is a bad/good sign at this point but will make sure to ask.

Pearson made some rather sturdy boats back then. I happen to like the lines of older boats like that, hence I own a 1967 Tartan 27'.
Things to keep in mind about older boats like this:
Because all of the systems are older they are more likely due for maintenance, repair or overhaul.
Starting with the inboard engine:
- shaft, strut, Cutless bearing and shaft log hose may all need replacing
On to the boat:
- mast step may need addressing
- soft decks may need re-coring
- deck fittings will need re-bedding
- old wiring should be considered suspect
- standing rigging likely needs replacing if it is as old as the boat
Then there are the cosmetic things.

There is always more to attend to.

03-23-2013 04:10 PM

Faster

Re: advice on some options, if you please?

Congrats and best of luck..

03-23-2013 03:18 PM

slax

Re: advice on some options, if you please?

thanks for the comments and information. I have found a vessel, 1963 Pearson Vanguard 33' Beauty for sure.

After more questions, internal and external. I came to realize, its more of a decision of what I want then a decision of my budget or plans for the future or the best mean average of all potentials, not saying these are not part of what I want just not all of it...

I talked to people, read some books, researched some specific boats that felt right fit the feel, comfort, safety, capacity, etc I want.. then looked and researched and came up with a variety of builders, designs, sizes, ratios (righting, beam/displacement, etc. ratios and percents compared to others make sense for me, to get to these numbers I used several resources (Resources For Cruising Sailors, an archived copy of http://johnsboatstuff.com and when they failed actually doing some math love that stuff...) Learning more about the absolutely beautiful system of physics sailing and vessels truly is. Never learned that as a kid... Using all of this I dug back into the search with a much broader understanding of what I want, need, and am capable of/with. And with diligence, a bit of good timing, and this broader understanding of my ranges of needs I ended up stumbling upon a beauty out of the blue, it took a few days for the previous owner to get ahold of me and I was certain she had a home already... not so, timing was perfect... as soon as I stepped on her I knew it was right, after that it was just a matter of inspecting everything for hours with attention to details and some humble understanding of my current abilities and the cost to pay others for the needs/problems presenting themselves. Yes I may have made a classic mistake but, I did not get a pre-purchase survey. I am going with surveys of the specific systems and a uscg safety survey but feel I did a very solid job of interaction with the owner, who was for all accounts very blunt and honest about the issues, and a very specific inspections of the things known to be issues with the design and years... we shall see but at the moment I am very content and excited for the future. lots to do..

Definitely, have a digital copy of that posting ready to take with me. Don't fall into the category of individual someone is comfy with using an awl and some of the other more learned skill-sets mentioned, but within my scope i plan on investigating and noting very thoroughly.

Not clear on how the multi works out better for computer etc... they present other challenges - usually homebuilt, often less space, moorage challenges with the extra beam, and so on.

My thoughts on it, while more of a problem for slips, and I imagine tighter quarters mooring definitely present a problem. The added stability, there primary strength from what I have been able to gather, could be an asset when working for hours from an anchor or mooring ball? And when trying to maintain line of sight communications with shore when a bit out from the wifi access points... thoughts not a sale maker/breaker definitely, but something rolling around in my mind due to my carreer choice and primary method of supporting my travels.

Clearly your budget is rather limited since you looking mainly at near 40 year old boats. There's no need to look at something that's been 'rolled and dismasted' at some point - plenty of boats out there - you needn't knowingly inherit those kinds of issues.

My initial budget is rather limited. I do have a pretty solid income, however it seems to go elsewhere before I can put it into anything, my overhead on land has become pretty rediculous. I am minimizing and reevaluating alot of things to fit into the long term plans for my life. I have to live in SF bay at this point for work, and IF I end up getting an apt/house/whatever I see it as beginning the same overpay for a year cycle sucking all the money I could have been using for more important things into supporting a box in a bigger box in a.. well you get the point. So the initial pool is low but there is time and effort. Will avoid the rolled boat though, was thinking so, thanks for the direction on that.

I trust you know of Yachtworld.com, Sailboatlistings.com and other similar sites for searching specific age and price ranges.. they may open up the list above to other opportunities. Similar aged Cals, Rangers, C&Cs, Sabres (and many others) would all fit the bill and give you more different things to look for/like in those size ranges.

I do, and will keep digging till I find the one that fits my needs..

Thanks for all the input.

02-21-2013 11:08 AM

Faster

Re: advice on some options, if you please?

If you haven't already, check out this timeless post for how to get started and what to look for on your initial boat inspection.

Not clear on how the multi works out better for computer etc... they present other challenges - usually homebuilt, often less space, moorage challenges with the extra beam, and so on.

Clearly your budget is rather limited since you looking mainly at near 40 year old boats. There's no need to look at something that's been 'rolled and dismasted' at some point - plenty of boats out there - you needn't knowingly inherit those kinds of issues.

I trust you know of Yachtworld.com, Sailboatlistings.com and other similar sites for searching specific age and price ranges.. they may open up the list above to other opportunities. Similar aged Cals, Rangers, C&Cs, Sabres (and many others) would all fit the bill and give you more different things to look for/like in those size ranges.

02-21-2013 10:30 AM

slax

advice on some options, if you please?

Hello,
In search of a bit of advice. I have been researching, and combing the sfbay cl postings, lat38, and a few other sites. For a decently priced, 28-34' liveaboard for myself and 1 med sized dog, with room 1-2 others on and off both local and offshore periodically. Some ammenities are nice, but not as important to me as others (only 35, minimum maintenance, used to traveling w/out many). I am very comfortable with DC-electronics, woodworking, engine work, cosmetic stuff. I am less comfortable with fiberglass, structural, rigging, etc.. specific to boating. However love to research and learn what I can, and have no problem paying or work-trading with someone qualified when needed. That being said, I am open and would prefer something I can do some work on and be comfortable with my ability to manage and maintain all systems on the vessel myself before any long voyages. The following fall into the, available now, fit my size, and in varying levels fit my requirements. I am in communication with the owners of the following, planning a trip into the city to come and do my initial inspection.

1978 ericson 34' : Seems the most suited, however has been rolled and demasted in her history. Lots of work since. Mayhap survey says..?

1970 coronado 34': Will need deck reinforcement (out of my scope of skills at the moment) before any heavy weather.

1979 catalina 30': Nicest of the options, though varying reviews for deep crossings And comfort with the size/layout of space.

1972 piver-multihill 28': Multihull, as I am working remote, often requiring connect from mooring/anchor and the ability to work a bit more on the computer then normal for the situation, this is appealing..

1969 chris-craft 32': Just saw this one last night, researching it some more atm..

So I am wondering if there is any insight I am missing, specifics I should be closely inspecting, or random thoughts on the options available?